When Karissa Bodnar started Thrive Causemetics out of her one-bedroom apartment, she was determined to create a business that was mission-driven to its core. Inspired by the loss of a close friend to cancer, Karissa set out to build a mission-driven beauty brand committed to giving back. Today, Thrive Causemetics proudly supports over 500 giving partners and has donated more than $100 million in funding and products. Join Karissa and Nancy as they discuss the early days of bootstrapping, the impact of her company’s giving model, and how she balances leadership, philanthropy, and personal growth. Karissa opens up about raising capital out of fear, managing investor dynamics, and how she’s learned to lead with both strength and compassion.

Karissa Bodnar is the Founder & CEO of Thrive Causemetics and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare, two brands that merge high-quality, vegan formulas with social impact. Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Marie Claire’s Most Powerful Women, and Inc.’s Badass Female Founders, she’s redefining what it means to lead in beauty—with purpose, innovation, and community at the forefront.

Originally aired: 04/11/2024

Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[03:02] Starting Thrive Causemetics
[04:04] Inspiration behind the brand
[05:02] Fundraising regrets
[06:14] Advice on raising capital
[07:30] Choosing the right investor
[09:57] Managing team dynamics
[11:27] The direct-to-consumer journey
[13:24] Building a growth mindset
[17:39] Cultivating a supportive network
[19:27] Productivity hacks
[20:20] Morning routine priorities
[23:29] Balancing business and personal finance
[25:02] Avoiding lifestyle inflation
[26:31] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
[28:10] Handling criticism and self-belief
[29:19] Future plans for Thrive Causemetics

For beauty that gives back, check out Thrive Causemetics and for skin solutions made simple, there is Bigger Than Beauty. For every product you purchase, donations are made to help communities Thrive!
https://thrivecausemetics.com/
https://thrivecausemetics.com/pages/bigger-than-beauty-skincare

Connect with Karissa on https://www.instagram.com/karissabodnar/?hl=en and https://www.linkedin.com/in/karissa-bodnar-0413899/

Resources Mentioned:
University of Washington Medical Center | https://www.uwmedicine.org/
Breonna Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund | https://thrivecausemetics.com/pages/breonna-taylor-memorial-scholarship-fund

More From Nancy:
https://www.instagram.com/nancytwine/
Website | http://www.nancytwine.com/

More From Makers Mindset:
https://www.instagram.com/makersmindsetspace/

@themakersmindset

Website | https://makersmindset.com/
Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify | https://bit.ly/makersmindset

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